2026 News Archive

A search committee appointed by Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has begun the process of identifying candidates for a new Director of Juvenile Services for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

CBS 2 Chicago's Sabrina Franza had the exclusive interview with Chief Judge Beach regarding the upcoming improvements to the Electronic Monitoring system. See her report here: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-chief-judge-charles-beach-changes-electronic-monitoring/

Judges from the Traffic Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County will participate in a Driver’s License Reinstatement Expo on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, providing individuals with Cook County traffic cases an opportunity to address matters that may be preventing them from regaining driving privileges.

CBS 2's Sabrina Franza covered improvements made to the EM process. Here is her story: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-chief-judge-changes-electronic-monitoring-program/

Chicago Sun Times coverage of the Electronic Monitoring operational updates, posted by Violet Miller: https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/28/cook-county-electronic-monitoring-beach

WTTW's Matt Masterson's coverage of the Electronic Monitoring operational updates: https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/28/cook-county-s-chief-judge-announces-new-revisions-electronic-monitoring-program

A search committee appointed by Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has begun the process of identifying candidates for a new Director of Juvenile Services for the Cook County Circuit Court.

The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County has implemented updated operational protocols governing Electronic Monitoring (EM) to ensure timely identification of violations, prompt judicial review and clear accountability across all involved agencies.

The Bridgeview Drug, Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts celebrated the commencement of five participants Monday.

Three Drug Court participants, one Veterans Treatment Court participant and one Mental Health Court participant were honored by court employees with certificates, gifts and applause during a ceremony led by the Hon. Kathaleen T. Lanahan, who is the judge for the Fifth Municipal District Problem-Solving Courts. 

Due to the extremely cold temperatures predicted for Friday, January 23, which may adversely impact the health and safety of court personnel and litigants, the Circuit Court of Cook County will be closed. The Skokie, Maywood and Markham courthouses will be open as warming centers.

The Pretrial Division will operate first appearance court, including newly charged domestic violence cases, on the holiday and weekend schedule. Juveniles who are in custody and scheduled for initial appearances or detention hearings will appear remotely.